Advertise on podcast: Tramlines

Considering the unpredictable nature of farm margins, what straightforward opportunities are available for farmers to earn extra income through carbon initiatives? Today, our experts shed light on this. Agrii’s Amy Hardwick, Sustainability and Environmental Manager, Agrii’s Neil Harper, Agronomist and Arable Technical Manager, and Alan Clifton-Holt, Farms Director at AA Clifton Ltd, who farms on Romney Marsh in Kent. If you would like to start exploring the initiatives available, click here to see what it could mean for your farm. 

Today we explore the Agri Wellbeing Alliance, launched at LAMMA in January to strengthen mental health and wellbeing across agriculture. A recent study led by Professor David Rose at Harper Adams University for the alliance highlights the urgent need to widen the safety net of support for farming communities, including better help for those who find themselves acting as accidental counsellors. Joining us today are Petra Martin from Agrii, Professor David Rose from Harper Adams University, and Sam Downey from Mates in Mind.  Agrii can help future-proof your farm by growing a diverse range of crops together with comprehensive advice on environmental and sustainable business opportunities. For more information, visit www.agrii.co.uk/sustainability 

Today we are asking how can we build better crop resilience and rooting in forward crops to overcome the changes in variety, susceptibility, and changing weather patterns. To help us with those key questions, we have Agrii's Tim Horton, technical Manager for combinable crops, and Jodie Littleford, technical Manager for combinable crop trials. Summary: Building Resilience:  Strong root systems critical for nutrient and water uptake.Use of manganese seed treatments and micronutrients (manganese, zinc).Biostimulants like Inoculate (peptide-based elicitor) shown to boost crop health and yield.Management Tips: Monitor crops closely; attention to detail is vital.Early fungicide treatments for yellow rust; flexible, non-dogmatic programs.Combine chemistry with nutritional and biostimulant support.CPD points: Claim 1 BASIS and NRoSO point for listening. Email [email protected] with your membership number, full name, postcode, date of birth and the podcast title.

Today we’re talking about the challenges facing farm businesses after two very difficult years of crop establishment and a dry summer that has left many under significant financial pressure. That’s the picture here in the UK, but globally we’re seeing record harvests - and it’s not just arable enterprises under strain. Livestock producers have been severely affected too. So, what can farmers do to navigate this period and build resilience? To explore that question, we're joined by Lucy Braithwaite-Exley Scotland Origination Manager with Bunge, and Paul Pickford, Farm Business Consultant. This episode covers: Create a Clear Financial Plan Build a realistic budget and gross margin analysis to guide decisions and secure financial support. This helps manage cash flow and ensures you're prepared for seasonal input costs. Engage Early with Local Buyers and Merchants Identify local market demand to reduce haulage costs and improve profitability. Regularly speak with merchants and traders to align crop choices with buyer needs. Diversify Marketing Strategies Use tools like grain pools to manage price volatility and ensure movement and payment for a portion of your crop. This reduces risk and improves financial predictability. Adapt Cropping Based on Market Signals Monitor shifts in demand (e.g. reduced distilling sector needs in Scotland) and adjust crop rotations accordingly - consider alternatives like oats, rye, or oilseed rape where viable. Leverage Sustainable Practices for Financial Gain Implement strategies like reduced tillage, cover cropping, and efficient nutrition to unlock environmental and financial benefits. Explore pilot projects and sustainability schemes that offer rewards. *Please note: This podcast was recorded on 13th October 2025, and market prices may have changed since then. 

In this episode, we discuss phosphorus as a key nutrient across a range of crops, from cereals and potatoes to vegetables, and review recent research and its impact on financial margins. We’ll also cover how farmers and growers can get involved and learn more. Joining us are Agrii’s Tom Land, Fertiliser Technical Manager, and Don Pendergrast, Technical Manager for Specialty Crops.  Episode overview: Phosphorus is vital for crop establishment and root development: It supports energy transfer, growth, and fertility in cereals, potatoes, and vegetables. Declining phosphorus levels in grain analysis suggest a need to reassess application strategies.Precision application is key for specialty crops like potatoes: Targeting phosphorus placement near the root zone improves uptake and tuber development. Technologies like microgranules, liquid formulations, and coated fertilizers are being trialled.New R&D focuses on improving phosphorus efficiency: Agrii is testing products like Release in both field and glasshouse trials to enhance root mass and nutrient uptake, especially in soils with challenging pH levels.Return on investment matters more than maximum yield: Trials show that medium-input strategies often outperform high-input ones in profitability. Early investment in nutrition - especially at seedbed stage - is crucial for root crops.Farmers can stay informed via grain testing and Agrii events: Grain tests (approx. £45) offer valuable feedback on nutrient uptake. Agrii’s website, social media, and events like the Potato Partnership provide ongoing insights and trial results.Book your spot at The Potato Partnership event and learn about this season's trials results at your nearest location. Visit thepotatopartnership.co.uk/events

Today we ask, can a farmer have too much data? As on-farm challenges grow, how can data become vital to farm businesses and what new tools are available? To help us explore these questions, we are joined by Ben Hatton from TELUS, and Sam Fordham from RHIZA Digital. Data Overload or Opportunity? The episode explores whether farmers can have too much data and how to make it meaningful for decision-making.TELUS Partnership for Smarter Farming Agrii and TELUS are working together to deliver cloud-based crop management tools that streamline data sharing and reduce manual entry.Evolving Data Demands Farmers face growing pressure to provide detailed crop data for traceability, carbon footprint, and biodiversity - especially in broadacre crops.AI, Drones & Automation Emerging technologies like Skippy Scout drones and AI are enabling real-time data collection and smarter farm operations.Top Tips for Growers Experts advise mapping out what “good” looks like for your farm, then using data and tech to support that vision - starting with simple conversations and trusted tools.Find out more at telus.com/CropManagement or email [email protected] to discuss your farm’s needs. Tony Smith is the host of Tramlines. Based in the South West and from a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) in Agriculture. He spent many years working in the farming industry before moving into a career as a presenter. Tony has hosted Tramlines for the past five seasons. 

This episode focuses on the challenges farmers are facing with forage this year. After a wet winter and a dry summer, concerns are growing around forage shortages for livestock. We are joined by Ben Lowe, Agrii’s National Forage Product Manager, and Amy Hardwick, Sustainability and Environmental Services Manager, to discuss the current situation, the pressures on arable and livestock systems, and the practical steps farmers can take now to protect forage supplies and build longer-term resilience.  After a wet winter and dry summer, forage shortages are a real concern for livestock farmers.Arable yields are mixed and shifting subsidy schemes add financial pressure.New grass reseeds and diverse mixtures, including clovers, help crops cope with drought.Forage rye and Italian ryegrass are strong options to fill the gap after maize harvest.Farmers are urged to take action now, not wait and hope conditions improve.Download our up-to-date Agrii Maize Brochure agrii.co.uk/our-services/tools-resources/documents/ packed with agronomy insight, variety info and tailored recommendations  Tony Smith is the host of Tramlines. Based in the South West and from a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) in Agriculture. He spent many years working in the farming industry before moving into a career as a presenter. Tony has hosted Tramlines for the past five seasons. 

Today we’re recording live from West End Farm in Somerset, home to RAJ Morris and their recent blackcurrant harvest. We’re here in the field with Harriet Prosser, agronomist for Ribena, and Matt Greep, fruit and horticultural agronomist with Agrii. Together, we’ll be exploring the unique challenges of growing blackcurrants – from changing weather patterns to the evolving role of agronomy – and hearing how growers are adapting to keep this iconic crop thriving. Recorded live during harvest – walk the rows at West End Farm and see how the crop is managed in real time.From wartime vitamin C to modern-day market demand – uncover the roots of British blackcurrant production.Managing pests, drought, and unpredictable seasons – hear how agronomists are adapting and supporting growers.Thinking of planting? Learn how variety choice, site selection, and establishment can future-proof your crop.Soil health, chill hours, and yield balance – the key agronomic insights shared by those in the field.Tony Smith is the host of Tramlines. Based in the South West and from a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) in Agriculture. He spent many years working in the farming industry before moving into a career as a presenter. Tony has hosted Tramlines for the past five seasons. 

Today we’re recording live here at AgriiFocus, an Agrii iFarm, at North Farm near Marlborough, Wiltshire. Arable farming is facing an increasingly challenging environment. Improving the resilience of soils, crops and businesses is key to delivering productivity gains. The question is: what action can you take on farm, and what technologies can you adopt? To help you answer those questions, we have our panel: James Bonner, who farms in NorthamptonshireAlan Clifton-Holt, who farms in KentRuth Mann, Head of Integrated Crop Technologies at AgriiIf you have any questions for our speakers, simply email [email protected]

Live from Groundswell: How can we build a more resilient farm business? Part 1 Farmers are increasingly impacted by policy changes - from regulation to subsidy reform. But what’s on the horizon? And what does it mean for on-farm decisions and long-term business planning? Guests: Ed Barker, Head of Policy and External AffairsVicky Robinson, Head of SustainabilityNeil Harper, AgronomistMike Gooding, Farming Systems Director, AHDBPart 2 Later in the podcast, we’ll explore practical tips to build better farm resilience. This episode offers a simple checklist to help farmers take action. Guests: Tom Perrott, Fertiliser and crop inputs specialistLibby Richards, RHIZA crop inputs specialistCPD points: Claim 1 BASIS and NRoSO point for listening. Email [email protected] with your membership number, full name, postcode, date of birth and the podcast title.

Today we’re joined by Agrii’s Technical Manager, John Miles, David Schafer, Wheat Breeder at RAGT, and Hugh Harley, BIPO representative. As farmers and agronomists weigh up wheat variety choices for the season ahead, we’ll explore Hexton – a new wheat variety – its potential fit for your farm, and how an existing seed royalty scheme could benefit your business.   The Agrii 2025 Autumn Yearbook is available now. Visit yearbook.agrii.co.uk  Tony Smith is the host of Tramlines. Based in the South West and from a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) in Agriculture. He spent many years working in the farming industry before moving into a career as a presenter. Tony has hosted Tramlines for the past five seasons. 

Today we’re joined by Agrii’s Tom Perrott, Fertiliser and Crop Inputs Specialist, and Dave Thompson, Farm Manager at Eastbury Estates in Dorset. In this episode, we explore soil health, crop nutrition and how ‘stacking the benefits’ – using alternative sources of nutrition to better support the crop – can, with an innovative approach, strengthen the whole farm operation. To find out more about crop nutrition from Agrii, visit agrii.co.uk/our-services/fertiliser Tony Smith is the host of Tramlines. Based in the South West and from a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) in Agriculture. He spent many years working in the farming industry before moving into a career as a presenter. Tony has hosted Tramlines for the past five seasons. 

Today we are joined by Agrii's David Leaper, seed technical specialist, and Sarah Hawthorne, head of arable products for DSV in the UK. With the area of OSR being grown down this year, crops currently in the ground are looking very good. We are going to reexamine how to get the best out of this crop. What are the latest seed breeding developments and agronomy views?  Claim 1 BASIS and NRoSO point for listening to this podcast. Email [email protected] with your membership number, full name, postcode, DOB and title of podcast. Your guide to the best WOSR varieties has just landed. Visit yearbook.agrii.co.uk. View the latest national seed yearbook now.   Tony Smith is the host of Tramlines. Based in the South West and from a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) in Agriculture. He spent many years working in the farming industry before moving into a career as a presenter. Tony has hosted Tramlines for the past five seasons. 

The malting barley blueprint, aligning breeding, farming and market needs: big questions and vital for the malting barley industry. To help answer those questions, we have David Griggs, technical director from Crisp Malt, Charlie Catto, agronomist with Agrii and Paul Bury, barley breeder from Secobra Research. We are at the perfect location to ask those questions, recording live at Secobra's spring barley research site in Norfolk. For more information on Agrii's spring barley varieties, visit www.agrii.co.uk/your-crops/cereals/spring-barley Tony Smith is the host of Tramlines. Based in the South West and from a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) in Agriculture. He spent many years working in the farming industry before moving into a career as a presenter. Tony has hosted Tramlines for the past five seasons. 

Today’s topic of discussion is sustainable grain programmes, focussing on a new offer from Agrii, Viterra and Whitworth Brothers Flour Millers. We are delighted to be joined by Amy Watkins from Agrii, Sam Chambers from Viterra and William Butler from Whitworth. We will explore how sustainable grain programmes can benefit both farmers and supply chain partners economically, enhance industry sustainability and offer consumers value through quality and traceability.  Agrii can help you future proof your farming by growing a diverse range of crops together with compressive advice on environmental and sustainable business opportunities. For more information visit agrii.co.uk/sustainability Tony Smith is the host of Tramlines. Based in the South West and from a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) in Agriculture. He spent many years working in the farming industry before moving into a career as a presenter. Tony has hosted Tramlines for the past five seasons.